Surgical Technology, AAS

Program Description: The Surgical Technology Program is an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree program. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the student will qualify to take the National Certification Exam for Surgical Technologists. The certifying exam is written and administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) are integral members of the surgical team who work closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel to deliver patient care before, during, and after surgery. Their primary responsibility is maintaining the sterile field. The CST handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. Certified Surgical Technologists understand the procedure being performed, anticipate the needs of the surgeon, and have the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure. The student should recognize that the clinical rotation of the Surgical Technology program demands that attitude, work habits, communication skills, and manual dexterity are developed and evaluated along with academic readiness.

Program Accreditation: The Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 9355-113th St. N #7709, Seminole, Florida 33775, 727-210-2350. The Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit accreditation services agency providing national recognition for higher education programs in surgical technology and surgical assisting, in collaboration with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), in order to promote quality surgical patient care through quality credible education.

Program Coordinator: Terri Ferreira, BS, CST

Program Instructor(s): Terri Ferreira, BS, CST; Heidi Senette, AAT, CST; Rochelle Lofton, AAS, CST

Special Comments: Cohorts begin each summer semester with application materials submitted by the designated due date of the preceding spring semester. All applicants must successfully complete the prerequisite requirements no later than the semester of the application deadline. Please see the current admission guide for all admission requirements. Surgical technology students must pass a cumulative skills practicum prior to entering the Clinical I course. Students who do not pass on their first attempt will be allowed one retake. Senior surgical technology students will sit for the NBSTSA National CST Examination no sooner than 30 days prior to graduation and no later than 30 days after graduation. Students are encouraged to take a computer literacy course, such as CPTR 1000.

Overall Grade Point Average: Students applying to the clinical program must achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA on all required prerequisite coursework (all non-SURG courses) and each course must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or higher. See the most current program admission guide for more details.

Course Grade Requirements: Program requirements must be completed with an 80% in each course in order to receive the degree. Students enrolled in core SURG courses must successfully complete courses in sequence to proceed to the next semester’s course offerings.

Program Learning Outcomes: The ARC/STSA has established the following thresholds for each outcome:

1. Student Graduation/ Retention rate: 70% of all students enrolled in the previous academic year (8/1/20** - 7/31/20**).
2. CST Exam Participation: 100% of all seniors enrolled in the surgical technology program must sit for their National Certification Exam administered by NBSTSA no sooner than 30 days prior to graduation and no later than 30 days after graduation.
3. CST Pass Rate: 70% of all graduates who sit for the National CST exam must successfully pass the exam on the first attempt.
4. Graduate Job Placement: 80% for all graduates.
5. Employer Survey Return Rate: 50% of all graduate surveys sent to employers must be returned.
6. Employer Satisfaction Rate: 85% of all graduate surveys returned must have a score of 3 or better in all categories.
7. Graduate Survey Return Rate: 50% of all graduate surveys sent to graduates must be returned.
8. Graduate Satisfaction Rate: 85% of all graduate surveys returned must have a score of 3 or better in all categories.

Student Learning Outcomes: Students who successfully complete the Surgical Technology Program will be able to:

1. Apply an understanding of human pathophysiology, surgical anatomy, the use of appropriate medical terminology, and the concepts of pharmacology associated with the perioperative setting. (cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains)
2. Demonstrate theoretical and practical proficiency in surgical aseptic technique, surgical procedures, and patient care. (cognitive and psychomotor domains)
3. Demonstrate the ability to function in the perioperative setting while meeting legal, ethical, and moral responsibilities in the professional scope of the surgical technologist. (cognitive and affective domains)
4. To work cooperatively with teammates and become an integral member of the healthcare team while demonstrating effective communication skills, respect for coworkers, and respect for the dignity of patients. (affective domain)
5. Meet the educational requirements necessary to sit for the national certifying exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). (cognitive and psychomotor domains)

Admission Criteria/ Selection Process for the Program: Students are accepted into the program each year in the summer. Acceptance capacity is based on clinical site availability. Additional information for the Surgical Technology application and selection process is included in the current AAS in Surgical Technology Admission Guide found on Fletcher’s website.

CIP Code: 510909